Preseason

Preseason Match 2: Crew 3 – TFC 1

ORLANDO, FLA. – The Columbus Crew kicked off the 2014 Disney Pro Soccer Classic with a bang on Wednesday afternoon, as the Black & Gold jumped out to an early lead over Trillium Cup rival Toronto FC and never looked back. Aggressors for the majority of the contest, Gregg Berhalter's players claimed their second consecutive victory in preseason play, and their first against MLS opposition in 2014.

Drawing a foul in the ninth minute just outside of TFC's area, Jairo Arrieta gave frontline partner Federico Higuain the opportunity to draw first blood, and the Argentine Designated Player did exactly that in the 10th minute of play. Higuain's perfectly placed dead ball gave veteran goalkeeper Julio Cesar no time to react, and just two minutes later Josh Williams put Cesar in the same situation, fiercely striking a loose ball on the volley that froze the Toronto netminder.

Toronto managed to pull a goal back in the 15th minute through a Tyson Wahl own goal, but a second-half insurance goal from Adam Bedell sealed the Crew's victory. With the exception of starting goalkeeper Matt Lampson, Berhalter fielded two separate lineups in each half of play, as the Black & Gold continue to hone their fitness and tactical abilities throughout preseason. The club will continue building upon this foundation on Saturday, February 22 against the Philadelphia Union (1:00 p.m. ET / live stream on TheCrew.com).